[Analysis of Palliative Stent Placement for Acute Malignant Colorectal Obstruction]

Recently, endoscopic placement of self-expanding-metal stents (SEMS) has been widely performed for treatment of acute malignant colorectal obstruction. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of SEMS placement as palliative treatment with that of surgical treatment in patients presenting with acute malignant colorectal obstruction.

A retrospective review was performed for 20 patients with unresectable malignant colorectal obstruction who had received insertion of SEMS (n=9) or surgical treatment (n=11) for palliation between July 2006 and M ay 2014.

Patients who had received SEMS were in poorer clinical condition regarding age and performance status. Duration of treatment was significantly lesser and the postoperative date of initial oral intake after intervention was statistically earlier in the SEMS group. SEMS-related morbidity was found in only 2 cases of obstruction due to tumor ingrowth; these patients were successfully treated by reinsertion of SEMS. The prognosis of both groups showed no statistical difference.

Palliative SEMS placement for unresectable colorectal malignant obstruction in patients with more severe clinical condition relieved obstruction without severe morbidity. Palliative SEMS placement could be an alternative to surgery for the treatment of acute unresectable colorectal obstruction.